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# How To Rock Madison Square Garden Without Even Being On Stage
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/how-to-rock-madison-square-garden-without-getting-on-stage/
- Published: 2015-09-28T14:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2015-09-28T14:00:00.000Z
- Description: While many assume that most hip hop stars simply sing over a backing track when they perform, there is actually an incredible amount of preparation and orchestration which goes into. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/09/how-to-rock-madison-square-garden-without-getting-on-stage.
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, Live & Ticketing, album, Audio mixing (recorded music), August Alsina, Billboard charts, Bun B, Cops (TV series), Mike Will Made It, music industry, Twitter, Wiz Khalifa, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:28

[![Url](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201b8d15e6b87970c-150wi "Url")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201b8d15e6b87970c-popup?ref=hypebot.com)While many assume that most **hip hop stars** simply sing over a **backing track** when they perform, there is actually an incredible amount of **preparation and orchestration** which goes into producing the music heard during these performances, providing a unique sort of **career opportunity**. 

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Guest Post by **Scott Parsons** on [Landr](http://blog.landr.com/rock-madison-square-garden-without-getting-stage/?ref=hypebot.com)Like me, you probably assumed that all live hip-hop shows were pre-recorded tracks with artists rapping over them. Right? Wrong.![Soundcheck-650](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/blog-landr-com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/soundcheck-650.jpg)[Fabian Egger](http://fabianegger.com/?ref=hypebot.com) is a Music Director and his profession is one of the most vital parts of music production out there right now.

## SO WHAT DO MUSICAL DIRECTORS DO WHAT AGAIN?

Musical directors arrange and sequence live arena shows for major recording artists. Picture a Orchestra Conductor making all the pieces flow and sound right.Fabian does the same thing… sort of.![Fabian&BigSean2-650](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/blog-landr-com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fabianbigsean2-650.jpg)Instead of directing a symphony orchestra, he’s directing Nicki Minaj, Drake, Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean. Reworking the hits to sound their best in massive spaces.*“I hooked up with Big Sean right before he started needing arranging for his live shows. As soon as I was put on, we knocked out 32 tracks in one and half days.”*

## SHOWS IN DIFFERENT AREA CODES

Artists at this level are playing the Staples Center one night and Madison Square Gardens the next. Every space has its own acoustic character.*“I’m often on the road and need to make sure that all the instrumental tracks sound good. LANDR blows my mind for this. It’s great for those on-the-road changes.”*Because of the sheer scale and complexity of these types of shows, Fabian’s touch is vital to the overall experience.Music Directing is complex. It takes a keen ear and strong musicianship. It’s being equal parts songwriter, instrumentalist, producer and engineer.

## HAVE A LIVE INSTRUMENT FOUNDATION

![StudiowithHerbie_650](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/blog-landr-com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/studiowithherbie_650.jpg)*Fabian and Herbie Hancock*Fabian didn’t get where he is overnight.Before moving to Los Angeles, he’d notched 10 years of Jazz studies in Switzerland. He earned his credentials behind the drums — Fabian’s go-to instrument.Fabian's credentials helped him get a foot into mainstream production and in getting his early success: soaking up knowledge from established producers.“I’ve always been aware of my skills, but i’m always aware of the skills that I don’t have.” says Egger, “I love to learn, I always try to soak everything in.”

## EXPLORE YOUR VERSATILITY

![Studiowith_LucaHänni_650](http://blog.landr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Studiowith_LucaH%C3%A4nni_650.jpg)The thing that Fabian’s learning quickly is that arranging for live shows isn’t much different than studio producing — an area of production that Fabian is moving towards.*“The only problem in the music industry is that people get stuck on what they did three years ago and fail to evolve. You have to embrace change — and be a part of it.”*Fabian’s attitude puts progression, hard work and betterment above everything else. And the rewards have even surprised himself.It’s a move that’s allowing Fabian to be closer to his own vision.

## ADAPT AND ADVANCE

*“The biggest thing for me was to surround myself by talented producers and learn through working with them, I would learn whatever I could at all times.* *Being around good producers (the Mcknights) definitely helped. Early on i’d think ‘wow, my shit sucks’ after hearing their projects. But I realized that It’s not magic. It’s not like all of a sudden you’re good.* *It’s an ongoing exchange through working with people. It’s a constant exchange with others that allows you to grow.”* ![bigSeanRehearsal-650](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/blog-landr-com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/bigseanrehearsal-650.jpg)*“You won’t be good from one day to the next. But as long as you see a progression from one track to another and appreciate these small wins, you’ll get there. It worked for me. That’s the mentality you have to have.”*True enough, FAB landed his first executive producing debut for major recording artist Luca Hanni who’s album came out this year.*“Two-three years ago if someone told me I’d be producing major albums I would have said nah, no way. Three years ago I didn’t even know what a DAW was. I just made it part of the challenge and worked at it everyday.* *I like to tell myself that at the end of the day money is always gonna tell me where to go. But, the truth is, I don’t think that’s what it is. Whenever I work on something that pays a lot I’m always thinking that the grass is greener on the other side, I find myself wishing I could be at home working on my own thing.”*

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Scott Parsons is a full-time music enthusiast and semi-professional pinball player. Editor at LANDR.

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